Mark Palmer

Jo Stevens will step down as Welsh secretary as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares his new cabinet. Stevens highlighted major funding achievements during her tenure while critics in Welsh Labour accused her of resisting further devolution. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called for a successor supportive of devolved powers. Speculation over replacements includes Stephen Kinnock, Anna McMorrin and Carwyn Jones. Nick Thomas-Symonds also announced his departure from government, noting improved UK–EU relations during his term.

Reform UK urged the Welsh government to consider a badger cull to combat bovine TB, arguing existing measures are insufficient, while ministers and several parties maintained that more evidence is needed before changing policy. The Welsh government said it will wait for recommendations from an expert advisory group and continues to support a science‑led approach. Conservative and Plaid Cymru members backed the call, while Labour and the Greens opposed it, highlighting falling infection rates since culling ended. Senedd members supported Reform’s proposal by a large majority.